What To Do After Inheriting Land in New Hampshire?

You've just found out you've inherited a piece of land in New Hampshire. Exciting, right? But now you're scratching your head, wondering what on earth to do next. Don't worry, you're not alone in this boat. Let's chat about your options and how to navigate this unexpected turn of events.

First things first, let's talk about New Hampshire. Known as the Granite State, it's a place of rugged beauty, from the towering White Mountains to the serene Lakes Region. Your newly acquired land is now part of this picturesque landscape. Did you know that about 52% of New Hampshire's land (that's a whopping 2.9 million acres) is enrolled in something called the Current Use program? It's a neat little setup that gives tax breaks to folks who keep their land as open space. Pretty cool, huh?

Now, before you start daydreaming about building a mansion or selling for millions, let's pump the brakes and look at what you've actually got on your hands.

Getting to Know Your Land

First up, you need to figure out exactly what you've inherited. It's like getting to know a new friend - you need to spend some time together.

1. Where is it? Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people inherit land and can't point to it on a map. Get the exact location and boundaries. You might need to dig through some dusty county records or even hire a surveyor.
2. Take a field trip. Nothing beats boots on the ground. Walk the property, get a feel for it. Is it flat? Hilly? Wooded? Any streams or ponds? Old buildings? Each of these factors can significantly impact what you can (or can't) do with the land.
3. What are the rules? Check out the local zoning laws. These can be a real party pooper if you have grand plans that don't align with what's allowed.

What's It Worth?

Now for the million-dollar question (or maybe more, or less): what's this land actually worth?

Getting a professional appraisal is a smart move. Look for someone who knows New Hampshire land like the back of their hand. They'll give you a much better idea than your Great Aunt Mildred who thinks all land should be worth a fortune.

Also, do some detective work. What have similar pieces of land in the area sold for recently? This can give you a ballpark figure to work with.

Remember, land value can be tricky. It's not like selling a car where you can just look up the Blue Book value. The land market can be as unpredictable as New England weather.

Your Options: A Buffet of Choices

So, you've got this land. Now what? Well, you've got options, my friend. Let's break them down:

Keep It

Maybe you've always wanted a slice of New Hampshire to call your own. Holding onto the land can be rewarding, especially if you've got a personal connection to it.

But remember, owning land isn't all campfires and scenic views. You'll need to think about:

• Property taxes: They're as certain as death, as they say.
• Upkeep: Nature doesn't maintain itself (unless you're going for the overgrown look).
• How you'll use it: Weekend getaways? Future retirement spot? Bigfoot research station?

Develop It

Feeling ambitious? Development could be an option. But before you start sketching out plans for "New Hampshire's Biggest Ball of Twine," you'll need to:

• Chat with local authorities about zoning and permits.
• Bring in the pros - architects, engineers, the whole nine yards.
• Think about roads, water, electricity - you know, the stuff that makes modern life possible.

Sell It

If you're more interested in cold, hard cash than land, selling is always an option. But selling land isn't like selling a used couch on Craigslist. It can take time - often 1-2 years for vacant land.

You've got a few routes here:

• List it with a real estate agent who knows their stuff when it comes to land.
• If your land screams "future subdivision," you might find a developer who's interested.
• For a quicker sale, there are companies that buy land outright. Land Boss, for example, has been in the game for 5 years and has over 100 land transactions under their belt. They offer cash purchases, which can be a godsend if you're looking for a hassle-free sale.

Lease It

Want to keep the land but make it work for you? Leasing could be your golden ticket. Farmers, hunters, or even energy companies might be interested in renting your land.

Go Green

If you're feeling environmentally friendly, consider conservation. New Hampshire has a strong tradition of land conservation. You could donate the land to a trust or set up a conservation easement. It's a great way to leave a lasting legacy (and maybe get some tax benefits to boot).

Making the Big Decision

Choosing what to do with your land is like choosing a career - it's personal and depends on a lot of factors.

Think about:

• Your bank account: Do you need cash now, or can you play the long game?
• Your heart: Does this land mean something to you beyond dollars and cents?
• The market: Is land in the area hotter than a New England summer, or cooler than a nor'easter?

Whatever you decide, don't go it alone. Talk to lawyers, tax pros, and real estate experts. They can help you navigate the twists and turns of land ownership.

Final Thoughts

Inheriting land in New Hampshire is like being handed a blank canvas - the possibilities are endless. Whether you keep it, sell it, or turn it into the next big thing, you're now part of New Hampshire's landscape.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Take your time, do your homework, and don't be afraid to ask for help. And who knows? This inherited land might just be the beginning of your next big adventure in the Granite State.

‍